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Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger with Cheddar

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A hearty and flavorful burger featuring a smoky, sweet bourbon bacon jam paired with sharp cheddar cheese. Quick and easy to make, perfect for casual gatherings or a gourmet treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 yellow onions, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles

Instructions

  1. Chop 8 oz thick-cut bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until fat renders and pieces are crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
  2. Add 2 finely chopped yellow onions to the bacon fat. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally, until onions turn a deep golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, scraping the browned bits off the pan. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Stir well and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until thick and jam-like, about 15 minutes.
  5. While jam simmers, shape 1.5 lbs ground beef into four equal patties. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  6. Heat a separate cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt cheese.
  7. Lightly butter and toast brioche buns on the grill or in a pan until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Assemble burgers by spreading a generous spoonful of bourbon bacon jam on the bottom bun, adding the cheesy burger patty, then topping with optional lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

If the bacon jam gets too thick before ready, stir in a splash of water or more bourbon to loosen it. Rest cooked patties for a few minutes before assembling to keep them juicy. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free version. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or chipotle powder to the jam.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon bacon jam, bacon jam burger, cheddar burger, smoky burger, easy burger recipe, bourbon recipe, bacon recipe, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/savory-bourbon-bacon-jam-burger-with-cheddar-recipe-easy-and-perfect/